Southernhay House - Exeter

We went for dinner with friends and the starter was good, but the mains were disappointing. We told the waiter who informed the duty manager. who said there was nothing they could do but remove the tip from the bill, which didn’t seem fair to the waiter who had done his job! We were told to come back again and they would make sure next time everything would be excellent, I don’t think we will. There are much better options in this price bracket in Exeter. For the money we were expecting a lot more.

We were staying at the hotel before one of the famous lockdowns but there was no sense of pervading gloom. The dining room has a lovely feel with the character of the designer shining through. The one meal we took in the evening was well presented and served and just hit the spot after a day visiting the town. Breakfast was excellent and summed up a great visit.

Have visited a number of times in the past but left disappointed by the lack of choice on the menu,.Ordered a steak that was very small and unevenly cooked, rare one end and medium well the other, chips tasted “oven ready” and massively over salted. Service ok but we were the only ones in the restaurant so difficult to gauge.

If you want a hotel in Exeter look elsewhere. If, on the other hand, you want to feel as if you are the extremely privileged house guests at what must be one of the most attractive properties in Exeter, both inside and out, then look no further. An utter delight.

Booked the Southernhay for a reception party. It was a pleasure doing business with the hotel. The manager and staff were helpful and responsive to our needs. The venue, staff and atmosphere were excellent – use of the bar, an excellent function room, and with hot sunny weather, the rear garden too. Drinks and canapes were good. Very enjoyable time!